Thursday, August 20, 2009

Four points from their opening two UniBond League fixtures have given BRADFORD PARK AVENUE an unbeaten start to the Premier Division season and they will endeavour to continue that form on Saturday.

Their latest visitors are Hucknall Town, who have won one and lost one from their early games.

Avenue will be buoyant after beating FC United of Manchester at Horsfall Stadium on Monday and boss Lee Sinnott said: “I was delighted with that result and pleased with our first-half performance.

“There are still certain areas in which we can improve but overall it has been a steady start.”

Avenue and FC United met on the last day of the previous campaign and the resulting draw prevented either club making the play-offs. After two games this term, the Manchester outfit have yet to register a point but Sinnott expects them to mount a challenge.

He said: “As I see it, on Monday we took points off one of our promotion rivals. It was a win and that brings confidence and momentum at any time of the season.

“It is early doors and ridiculous to look at the table but the three points puts us in the pack, which is where you want to be. Even as early as it is in the campaign you don’t want to fall too far behind the pacesetters.

“Another plus is that everyone came through Monday’s game. There are no new injury concerns and everybody who missed all, or part of, the pre-season schedule has now had minutes on the pitch, so we are working towards a stronger squad.”

Avenue are already playing catch-up with neighbouring rivals GUISELEY, who are one of a handful of clubs to have enjoyed a maximum start.

The Lions head to Ashton United for their third match of the season and are on top form.

All of the squad came through the 2-1 win at Whitby Town on Wednesday and close-season signing Liam Needham was in the starting line-up to make his competitive debut.

Midfielder Steve Burton was rested in midweek as he underwent a double hernia operation towards the end of last season and is being reintroduced gently.

New signing Martin McIntosh also missed the trip to Whitby because his wife was ill but he is also expected to be back in contention.